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Gracie: A Love Story
This story brings to life the charming woman who was smart enough to become the dumbest woman in show business, told with intimacy and humor by the man who loved her most--her husband George Burns.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
30 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
George Burns
95 books77 followersPopular American comedian acted George Burns, originally Nathan Birnbaum from 1922 teamed with Gracie Allen, his wife, to 1958; after her death, he in dramatic roles won an Academy Award for
The Sunshine Boys
(1975).
Career of this writer spanned vaudeville, film, radio, and television. His familiar arched eyebrow and cigar smoke punctuation lasted for more than three quarters of a century. He enjoyed a career resurrection that began in the 1975 and continued through his death.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_...
Career of this writer spanned vaudeville, film, radio, and television. His familiar arched eyebrow and cigar smoke punctuation lasted for more than three quarters of a century. He enjoyed a career resurrection that began in the 1975 and continued through his death.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
November 20, 2020
Ladies get yourself a guy/gal who loves you like George Burns loved his Gracie.
I love watching old shows. When I say old shows, I'm not talking about Friends or Sister Sister(I do love those shows tho). I'm talking about OLD like The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Love Lucy and The Jack Benny Show. Most of these shows came out before my parents were born but I love them. Another show I recently discovered is The Burns and Allen Show. It starred comedians George Burns and Gracie Allen. They were married both on and off screen and Gracie was hilarious.
Gracie Allen died in 1964 and in 1988 her loving husband George wrote this book about her. God! that man loved her. This book was so sweet and the last 10 pages broke my heart.
I would only recommend this book to Burns and Allen fans because the book is written in the same style that George Burns delivered his jokes. Non fans won't get it. But if you are a fan than you will enjoy this book and you'll just a little bit more in love with them both.
I love watching old shows. When I say old shows, I'm not talking about Friends or Sister Sister(I do love those shows tho). I'm talking about OLD like The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Love Lucy and The Jack Benny Show. Most of these shows came out before my parents were born but I love them. Another show I recently discovered is The Burns and Allen Show. It starred comedians George Burns and Gracie Allen. They were married both on and off screen and Gracie was hilarious.
Gracie Allen died in 1964 and in 1988 her loving husband George wrote this book about her. God! that man loved her. This book was so sweet and the last 10 pages broke my heart.
I would only recommend this book to Burns and Allen fans because the book is written in the same style that George Burns delivered his jokes. Non fans won't get it. But if you are a fan than you will enjoy this book and you'll just a little bit more in love with them both.
September 8, 2015
I went to the library the other day and decided to grab a bio or two and saw this one. Burns and Allen were really before my time but I knew of them and had seen a few movies with them in it. And I remember George Burns from his Oh God movies too. I could hear George Burns voice narrating as I read in my mind. I loved the dry humor he had and loved reading about the most important 40 years of his life. The internet is great in helping us all see what we missed in those years gone by. As I read I was able to look on the internet and see who or what was being discussed in the book. I also managed to squeeze in a few clips of their TV show and loved them too. And even though I knew the ending I still cried and I hardly ever cry.
August 9, 2012
I did not cry as I finished this book. I wanted to; my heart ached.
I would classify the ending as heart-wrenching, but that sounds too dramatic. It really was sweet and just the way you would expect it to be.
All in all, this was absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. Sure, if you're looking at the quality of the writing, you could give the book a horribly negative review, but you really can't, if you know anything about Gracie Allen and George Burns. Really, it was the perfect way to tell the story, and because of the style, I could hear the Burns & Allen voices in my head telling the story. I laughed, I teared up, and laughed again.
This is a beautiful story.
I would classify the ending as heart-wrenching, but that sounds too dramatic. It really was sweet and just the way you would expect it to be.
All in all, this was absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. Sure, if you're looking at the quality of the writing, you could give the book a horribly negative review, but you really can't, if you know anything about Gracie Allen and George Burns. Really, it was the perfect way to tell the story, and because of the style, I could hear the Burns & Allen voices in my head telling the story. I laughed, I teared up, and laughed again.
This is a beautiful story.
January 22, 2012
The first line of this book perfectly describes it's contents. "For forty years my act consisted of one joke. And then she died." George Burns gives all the credit for his sucess and his long and happy life to his wife and comedy partner, Gracie Allen. This book is a sentimental and at times hysterically funny telling of Burns and Allen's career and life together.
I decided to read this book out of curiosity. I have seen many Burns and Allen bits over my lifetime, but I do not remember Gracie Allen as a living person; I heard about her (my father was a huge fan of hers), but I never saw anything she did while she was alive.
George Burns tells the story of his life with his wife with love without being maudlin, and humor without being cloying. I laughed out-loud often, and yes, shed a tear or two. He also tells, in detail, of his great friendship with Jack Benny and the Burns' friendships with other Hollywood celebrities of the time. But this is not a gossip book, there is not a lot of juicy stuff here. Mr Burns seems to have genuinely liked most of the people he met in his life, and most of his reminiscences are affectionate, not viscious.
I guiltily admit that I was not a George Burns fan when he was alive. In my opinion, this book is the funniest thing I ever saw him do. I am very glad I read this book, it is a light and easy read, even though you know, right from the first sentence that it is going to end sadly.
I decided to read this book out of curiosity. I have seen many Burns and Allen bits over my lifetime, but I do not remember Gracie Allen as a living person; I heard about her (my father was a huge fan of hers), but I never saw anything she did while she was alive.
George Burns tells the story of his life with his wife with love without being maudlin, and humor without being cloying. I laughed out-loud often, and yes, shed a tear or two. He also tells, in detail, of his great friendship with Jack Benny and the Burns' friendships with other Hollywood celebrities of the time. But this is not a gossip book, there is not a lot of juicy stuff here. Mr Burns seems to have genuinely liked most of the people he met in his life, and most of his reminiscences are affectionate, not viscious.
I guiltily admit that I was not a George Burns fan when he was alive. In my opinion, this book is the funniest thing I ever saw him do. I am very glad I read this book, it is a light and easy read, even though you know, right from the first sentence that it is going to end sadly.
June 25, 2009
As my friends know, my cat is named after Gracie Allen. When I got my cat and as my sister and I talked about names for the cat, my cat walked to the bookcase of my sisters books and rubbed her face on a copy Gracie A Love Story, the decision was made then and there to name her Gracie.
It took me a long time to getting around to reading this book and I am glad I did. This book written by the late George Burns is as the title implies it is a love story. Gracie Allen was an amazing woman who rose to the top of her comedic profession first in Vaudeville, then in the early years of radio and finally in the early years of tv.
Burns does not write negative thing about his late wife because without her, he would have never had a career. The only sad part of the book is that Gracie Allen died ahead of her time; she had heart problems, which today could be easily treatable.
This was enjoyable book and it makes one long to have someone love you as much George Burns loved his wife.
It took me a long time to getting around to reading this book and I am glad I did. This book written by the late George Burns is as the title implies it is a love story. Gracie Allen was an amazing woman who rose to the top of her comedic profession first in Vaudeville, then in the early years of radio and finally in the early years of tv.
Burns does not write negative thing about his late wife because without her, he would have never had a career. The only sad part of the book is that Gracie Allen died ahead of her time; she had heart problems, which today could be easily treatable.
This was enjoyable book and it makes one long to have someone love you as much George Burns loved his wife.
September 5, 2022
So it’s not the most well written book overall, but I can’t even count the number of times I let out either a laugh or an audible Awwww. It’s all pretty wholesome and adorable.
“I learned a lot about marriage in 40 years, and I can give some pretty good advice. I know all about the importance of respect and trust and honesty and generosity and sharing, but for me it still comes back to one thing: marry Gracie.”
“I learned a lot about marriage in 40 years, and I can give some pretty good advice. I know all about the importance of respect and trust and honesty and generosity and sharing, but for me it still comes back to one thing: marry Gracie.”
June 30, 2011
I laughed out loud numerous times while I was reading this. People in the coffee shop stopped to ask me what I was reading.
And then, in the end, I cried.
This is an excellent book, and a fitting tribute to a great performer.
And then, in the end, I cried.
This is an excellent book, and a fitting tribute to a great performer.
April 29, 2010
Wonderful story; well told by the only person who could.
I'm of an age that I didn't know Grace Allen well; I only knew George as God and other late roles. But this truly is a love story told by someone still in love.
I'm of an age that I didn't know Grace Allen well; I only knew George as God and other late roles. But this truly is a love story told by someone still in love.
November 29, 2007
George Burns' ode to the love of his life, Gracie Allen. I was in tears through most of this book, happy tears that such a thing as a happy marriage did and can exist in Hollywood.
March 30, 2014
This has got to be one of the great love stories of all time. When I was a teenager, the Burns and Allen show on CBN in the late night line up introduced me to this "Dumb Dora" You all can have Lucy. I love Gracie.
When this book was released, I knew I had to have it.
I have read a few reviews that said this book, being from George's point of view, didn't give them any real connection to Gracie. I would disagree,I have used the book as a jumping off source for projects for my college classes on Gracie.
She is credited with the quote "Never place a period where God has placed a comma". Her entire life and career are a testament to her belief in this. Overcoming health issues, phobias, and an ever changing entertainment industry, she is truly an inspiration.
When this book was released, I knew I had to have it.
I have read a few reviews that said this book, being from George's point of view, didn't give them any real connection to Gracie. I would disagree,I have used the book as a jumping off source for projects for my college classes on Gracie.
She is credited with the quote "Never place a period where God has placed a comma". Her entire life and career are a testament to her belief in this. Overcoming health issues, phobias, and an ever changing entertainment industry, she is truly an inspiration.
October 25, 2011
Gracie Allen passed away 3 years before I was born, but thanks to my Dad and radiospirits.com I grew up listening to the Burns & Allen radio show. This book is clearly a love letter from George to Gracie. It is funny, touching and one of the loveliest biographies I've ever read. Fair warning: George Burns does an amazing job of bringing Gracie to life-you will sob on the last page. (which I did in a crowded food court-it wasn't pretty)
September 13, 2020
Heartwarming story told with both extra-special love and humor. I loved spending time with George and Gracie and was so glad I got to know them better. What a life they led and I so enjoyed their well-written love story. Thanks for sharing George!
May 16, 2020
I loved watching George Burns growing up. I was young when he died but I always remembered him talking about his wife Gracie and could tell that he loved her so much. This book is old so some parts may seem a little dry.
May 2, 2018
Such a sweet story about Gracie.
I loved the skits they did on radio and on television.
She had talent to turn what people said around all of the time.
I loved the skits they did on radio and on television.
She had talent to turn what people said around all of the time.
July 29, 2017
I very much enjoyed reading “Gracie: A Love Story”, George Burns’ book honoring his wife and show business partner, Gracie Allen. It started out a little slow, but as the pages turned the book became more engrossing.
George Burns describes how he first came into Vaudeville and started to develop different acts, one partner was a seal. Fortunately for him, he then met a woman named Grace Allen. It did not take long before they started working together and started to become headliners in Vaudeville. Touring the country, their name started to proceed them and they usually played to full houses. As they fine-tuned their act, they started to expand out into movies, which was good because Vaudeville started to die out. They began by doing 4 minutes of their act somewhere in the movie, and then eventually were starring in the movies.
Around this time, George Burns started to fall in love with Gracie, but she was engaged to marry another man. They were getting ready to take their act on the road and George was unsure whether the act would survive. It turned out that when George made Gracie cry at a Christmas party, she realized that she loved him, and the rest, as has been said, is history.
As radio became more and more popular, Burns and Allen took their act to this new medium, and they became more popular than ever. Along with other Vaudeville friends like Jack Benny, they created characters that became beloved throughout the country. From there, they eventually expanded into television, where the Burns and Allen show ran for 8 years. Along the way, they adopted two young children and they had, by George Burns’ account, a wonderful life. After Gracie retired from show business, she started to develop heart trouble, and eventually passed away in 1964.
This was a lovingly written tribute by George Burns about his wife Gracie Allen. He was able to bring the reader along on this journey as if they were a close friend sitting down in a parlor being told a story. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading biographies, especially biographies of famous people. More than that though, I would recommend this book to people like me, who are proudly sentimental and enjoy reading about a couple who are truly in love.
George Burns describes how he first came into Vaudeville and started to develop different acts, one partner was a seal. Fortunately for him, he then met a woman named Grace Allen. It did not take long before they started working together and started to become headliners in Vaudeville. Touring the country, their name started to proceed them and they usually played to full houses. As they fine-tuned their act, they started to expand out into movies, which was good because Vaudeville started to die out. They began by doing 4 minutes of their act somewhere in the movie, and then eventually were starring in the movies.
Around this time, George Burns started to fall in love with Gracie, but she was engaged to marry another man. They were getting ready to take their act on the road and George was unsure whether the act would survive. It turned out that when George made Gracie cry at a Christmas party, she realized that she loved him, and the rest, as has been said, is history.
As radio became more and more popular, Burns and Allen took their act to this new medium, and they became more popular than ever. Along with other Vaudeville friends like Jack Benny, they created characters that became beloved throughout the country. From there, they eventually expanded into television, where the Burns and Allen show ran for 8 years. Along the way, they adopted two young children and they had, by George Burns’ account, a wonderful life. After Gracie retired from show business, she started to develop heart trouble, and eventually passed away in 1964.
This was a lovingly written tribute by George Burns about his wife Gracie Allen. He was able to bring the reader along on this journey as if they were a close friend sitting down in a parlor being told a story. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading biographies, especially biographies of famous people. More than that though, I would recommend this book to people like me, who are proudly sentimental and enjoy reading about a couple who are truly in love.
April 9, 2010
I found this at the library used book sale. I'd heard of Gracie Allen, but really didn't know much about her and thought this would be a fun read. It's written by Gracie's husband and comedy partner, George Burns. They started in vaudeville and then moved into radio, motion pictures, and television. In addition to learning about Gracie's life and personality, the book revealed a lot about the early days of these different medias--the behind-the-scenes as well as a bit of cultural look at how they were received in the US. Keep in mind, though, that it is all told in Burns' anecdotal and dry style. There's nothing academic about this biography; it's really more of a memoir of their life together, with a focus on Gracie specifically.
I enjoyed reading about how much Burns really loved Gracie, admired her, and gave her so much credit for her talent and their success. The book opens with these lines: "For forty years my act consisted of one joke. And then she died."
I enjoyed reading about how much Burns really loved Gracie, admired her, and gave her so much credit for her talent and their success. The book opens with these lines: "For forty years my act consisted of one joke. And then she died."
October 29, 2014
By the time I was born - Gracie was almost 10 years gone. So I grew up kind of only vaguely knowing who she was as it related to George Burns. I knew she was in a lot of olde timey show biz stuff, but outside of a few late night re-runs on nick at nite when I was too young to really remember them, I had never seen anything she had done.
George tells the tale of her life and times with a husband's love. (And probable bias, but who could blame him?) It is well told with care, even if it tends to skip around QUITE a bit - going from time period and back on itself in the telling in the kind of rambling way you may expect grandpa to rattle off at you... Seems only appropriate considering the 90 year old doing the telling.
After this warm and caring tale of her life and career, I think I will have to hit the interwebs and see some of her work. I hope she lives up to the advanced billings George gives her.
George tells the tale of her life and times with a husband's love. (And probable bias, but who could blame him?) It is well told with care, even if it tends to skip around QUITE a bit - going from time period and back on itself in the telling in the kind of rambling way you may expect grandpa to rattle off at you... Seems only appropriate considering the 90 year old doing the telling.
After this warm and caring tale of her life and career, I think I will have to hit the interwebs and see some of her work. I hope she lives up to the advanced billings George gives her.
December 30, 2011
I was in a Vintage Reading State of Mind, so pulled this book off my bookshelf to read.
Many young people may wonder, Who is Gracie Allen?... Well let me tell you who she was...There was no one quite like her. Whether in vaudeville, on the radio, in the movies, or on television, there was only one Gracie Allen: lovable, confused Gracie, who once decided to cut her vacuum cleaner cord in half so she could save on electricity, and who another time pleaded with her audience, "If I say the right thing, please forgive me." This book tells her story with love and laughter, by the man who knew her better than anyone else: George Burns. This too, is the story of their relationship...a romance so strong it endured for forty years. This was a funny, moving story about one of America's favorite entertainers.
Many young people may wonder, Who is Gracie Allen?... Well let me tell you who she was...There was no one quite like her. Whether in vaudeville, on the radio, in the movies, or on television, there was only one Gracie Allen: lovable, confused Gracie, who once decided to cut her vacuum cleaner cord in half so she could save on electricity, and who another time pleaded with her audience, "If I say the right thing, please forgive me." This book tells her story with love and laughter, by the man who knew her better than anyone else: George Burns. This too, is the story of their relationship...a romance so strong it endured for forty years. This was a funny, moving story about one of America's favorite entertainers.
June 22, 2012
Maybe you have to be old to really enjoy this book but I don't think so. I grew up watching the Burns & Allen Show on TV and these people became part of my life. But it was the TV version of their lives and the real story is so much more interesting.
George and Gracie struggled to become performers in the years before radio, TV, and talking movies ... not to mention the internet and streaming videos. It was a very different world and George Burns does a nice job of describing it.
It's also fascinating to read his descriptions of forms of media that developed during their careers.
The subtitle of this book is "A Love Story" and that is the heart of the book.
I think people of any age will find this a fun read (with a few tears thrown in).
After you read the book, take a trip over to YouTube and check out some of their work. I think you will love it.
George and Gracie struggled to become performers in the years before radio, TV, and talking movies ... not to mention the internet and streaming videos. It was a very different world and George Burns does a nice job of describing it.
It's also fascinating to read his descriptions of forms of media that developed during their careers.
The subtitle of this book is "A Love Story" and that is the heart of the book.
I think people of any age will find this a fun read (with a few tears thrown in).
After you read the book, take a trip over to YouTube and check out some of their work. I think you will love it.
July 1, 2013
I love Gracie Allen. I thought it was awesome that her husband wrote this book about her. It really was a great read. His style of writing kept me interested and I really couldn't put the book down. I think having someone so close to her write about her, gave a better glimpse of her personality than anybody else could have. He really makes you fall in love with her.
That being said,there are times in the book where he strays away from Gracie's story. He side tracks and talks about Jack Benny and himself frequently in a way that is not relevant to Gracie. I also think there could have been more factual information about her.
There are a lot of fun and beautiful pictures in this book.
That being said,there are times in the book where he strays away from Gracie's story. He side tracks and talks about Jack Benny and himself frequently in a way that is not relevant to Gracie. I also think there could have been more factual information about her.
There are a lot of fun and beautiful pictures in this book.
March 25, 2015
"Gracie: A Love Story" is a heartwarming tribute by George Burns to his lovely late wife, Gracie Allen. In it, Burns gives her biography with his trademark charm and humor, and the reader can almost hear his voice as they read. Though this book gives insights to Gracie, he also respected her privacy (this isn't a "tell-all" book). I feel confident that the Gracie in this book was truly the Gracie in real life. She seems so real and so lovable, and Burns' words are often so warm that it can make on tear up a bit.
Only complaints are that now and then, he goes off on spiels about things other than Gracie. Though they're entertaining (especially the bit about Mary Benny), they're not exactly at home in a book that supposed to just be about Gracie. Other than that, I'd highly recommend it!
Only complaints are that now and then, he goes off on spiels about things other than Gracie. Though they're entertaining (especially the bit about Mary Benny), they're not exactly at home in a book that supposed to just be about Gracie. Other than that, I'd highly recommend it!
October 24, 2007
This is a wonderful, heartwarming book. Many autobiographies can lean toward the dull side, but I zipped through this one... and had a good hardy laugh on almost every page. George Burns tells the story of Gracie (his wife and side-kick) with humor and sincerity, with his devotion beaming from the pages. The book is also an intriguing history of vaudeville and Hollywood life as seen from his eyes. All sorts of characters make an appearance in this telling of his experiences -- such as Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, the Marx Brothers, Jack Benny, Cary Grant and many others. Also, if you are a lover of entertainment trivia, this is full of information that you can amaze your friends with. :)
June 2, 2009
I read this book more than 20 years ago while George Burns was still alive. I knew very little about him, other than his appearances in the Oh God! movies and the fact that he was often pictured with women a fraction of his age. I have no idea why I picked up this book, but what I found was one of the most profound and beautiful love stories I have ever written -- made all the more so because it was real. It showed me what love truly was and made me swear to wait for someone who would be so completely in love with me that not even death would affect it. I have to get a copy of this book of my own. The very best non-fiction book I have ever read.
July 27, 2007
An amazing, hilarious, heartbreaking first person narrative of what it meant to be funny and in love while vaudeville died, radio came and went, and TV forced people to be pretty, too. This is George Burns' love song to his wife Gracie and a book that captures a time, a place, and a romance better than any distant history or critical text ever could. Cameos from everyone from Jack Benny (Mary and Jack being George and Gracie's closest friends) to Groucho Marx to the Mayers and Goldwyns of MGM.
September 15, 2013
Got this book because I love old time radio shows. The story covers the partnership and marriage of George and Gracie against the backdrop of vaudeville, development of radio, development of motion pictures and finally TV. In addition to the historic interest, George recounts lots of their dialog. You can just hear Gracie saying those illogical/logical responses that was the basis of their routines. It is also sweet that George is still so devoted to her in his 90s when he wrote this book. A happy discovery from my bookshelves.
November 1, 2014
Hey men folk: Writing a memoir about the love of your life is a really nice thing to do! And good news, great love stories never go out of style. This is a funny and interesting memoir of George and Gracie's life together in show business. Lonely old men really get to me, and the ending was so sad! Here's a witty quote from the book:
"Gracie was a big movie fan...She liked sad movies best. Sad movies made her cry, and that made her very happy. The sadder the movie, the more she cried, the happier she was."
"Gracie was a big movie fan...She liked sad movies best. Sad movies made her cry, and that made her very happy. The sadder the movie, the more she cried, the happier she was."
December 31, 2008
I really liked this book. It was like 300+ pages of a Burns and Allen routine, alternating with George Burns himself. It was a lot of fun to get a glimpse into Vaudeville and early radio days, and then into the movies and TV. I kept laughing at some of the Gracie-isms and then the genuine humor in the daily lives of two brilliant comedians. Lots of little things I found out that I didn't know, as well.
Did you know that Gracie never actually gave the line "Goodnight, Gracie"?
Did you know that Gracie never actually gave the line "Goodnight, Gracie"?
August 12, 2010
I'm a big Gracie Allen fan, she was brilliant, but this sat around in my house for a long time before I picked it up. I decided to read it on a plane ride, since I figured it was good reading for a plane. And it was good reading anywhere. George Burns' voice is vivid and candid and his love for Gracie pours out from the page, but not in a sappy way, but a respectful way. It's definitely written in that Hollywood old school way with a few puns along the way, so keep that in mind.
January 26, 2013
I'm not finishing this book, but I appreciated what I did read and learn about the life of George Burns and Gracie Allen. Books like this one and Betty White's books are priceless, original sources for seeing what it was like for these great stars in the early days of show business. I remember watching the Burns & Allen show on black and white TV, so it was wonderfully nostalgic to have their lives filled out with a first-hand account from one of the great masters of comedy, George Burns.
August 9, 2013
I remember when this first came out. I was working at the bookstore and it was nearly Christmas time. I looked at the dust jacket blurb and at the pictures and glanced at the ending. I knew it would be a hit. I ordered extra copies and I was right. It took off. I never did get a chance to read it until now. I really enjoyed it. The book was all that it promised. A great love story. Very funny and touching. I'm glad I finally picked it up.
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